scare
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B2 verb /skeər/

scare

Meaning
to frighten someone or make them feel afraid
Example
The loud noise scared the baby.
B2 noun ˌsænɪˈteɪʃən

sanitation

Meaning
Conditions relating to public health, especially the provision of clean drinking water and adequate sewage disposal.
Example
Good sanitation practices are key to preventing infestations.
B2 verb /ˈskrɪbəl/

scribble

Meaning
to write or draw carelessly or quickly
Example
The child scribbled all over the wall.
C1 /skwɒt/

squat

Meaning
to crouch or sit with knees bent and body close to the ground
Example
He squatted down to tie his shoes.
B2 noun /soʊl/

Sole

Meaning
the bottom part of the foot; the bottom part of a shoe
Example
I have a blister on the sole of my foot.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrli/

surly

Meaning
bad-tempered and unfriendly
Example
The waiter gave us a surly look when we asked for more water.
C1 noun /ˈspaɪər/

spire

Meaning
a tall, pointed structure on top of a building, especially a church
Example
The church spire could be seen from miles away.
C1 adjective /sɪər/

Sear

Meaning
withered; dried up; burned or scorched
Example
The sear leaves fell from the trees in autumn.
C1 noun /ˈseɪ.tən/

Satan

Meaning
the chief evil spirit; the Devil in Christian and Islamic belief
Example
According to religious texts, Satan tempts people to sin.
B2 noun /spɑːrk/

Spark

Meaning
a small fiery particle thrown off from a fire; a flash of light; something that triggers or initiates
Example
A spark from the campfire ignited the dry leaves.
C1 noun /sɪˈdʌk.ʃən/

Seduction

Meaning
the action of seducing someone; temptation to do something wrong
Example
He fell victim to the seduction of easy money.
C2 verb /ˌsuːpərɪnˈtɛnd/

superintend

Meaning
to oversee and direct the work or operation of something
Example
She was hired to superintend the construction project.
B2 verb /ˈstɑːrtl/

startle

Meaning
To surprise or frighten someone suddenly.
Example
The loud noise startled the children.
A1 noun /ˈʃɒpɪŋ/

shopping

Meaning
the activity of going to shops to buy things
Example
She spent the afternoon shopping for clothes.
B2 noun /ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən/

Separation

Meaning
the action or state of moving or being moved apart; the division of something into constituent or distinct elements
Example
The separation of the two countries was peaceful.
C1 adjective /ˈskrʌfi/

Scruffy

Meaning
untidy or unkempt in appearance; shabby and worn
Example
The scruffy old dog wandered through the streets looking for food.
B1 verb /stretʃ/

stretch

Meaning
to extend or expand; to make or become longer or wider
Example
Athletes stretch their muscles before exercising.
B1 noun /stæf/

staff

Meaning
a group of employees working together in an organization
Example
The staff at the hospital are very helpful.
B1 verb /slɪp/

slip

Meaning
to lose balance or fall while moving, or to accidentally slide from a position
Example
She slipped on the wet floor and fell.
C1 verb /splaɪs/

splice

Meaning
to join two pieces of rope, film, or other material by weaving or attaching them together
Example
The technician spliced the two wires to restore the connection.
B1 adjective /ˈsekənderi/

secondary

Meaning
Less important than something else; derived from or dependent on something primary.
Example
Safety is our primary concern, while speed is only secondary.
B2 noun /sɪnˈserɪti/

Sincerity

Meaning
the quality of being free from pretense or deceit; honesty
Example
His sincerity in apologizing was evident to everyone.
C1 noun /ˈstoʊəˌweɪ/

stowaway

Meaning
A person who hides on a ship, plane, or other vehicle in order to travel secretly without paying.
Example
The crew discovered a stowaway hiding in the cargo hold.
C1 noun ˌsɪs.təˈmæt.ɪk ˈstræt.ə.dʒi

systematic strategy

Meaning
A methodical and organized plan or approach to achieve specific objectives.
Example
A systematic strategy was employed to achieve objectives.
C1 adverb spɒnˈteɪnɪəsli

spontaneously

Meaning
In a spontaneous way; naturally and without planning or external cause.
Example
Children learn spontaneously through peer interactions.
B2 adjective /ˈstʌdid/

studied

Meaning
carefully considered, deliberate, or planned
Example
Her response was calm and studied, not impulsive.
B2 adjective /ˈʃeɪ.ki/

Shaky

Meaning
unstable; trembling; unreliable; weak
Example
His voice was shaky with nervousness.
B1 noun /ˈsiː.hɔːrs/

Sea-horse

Meaning
a small marine fish with segmented bony armor, an upright posture, and a curled prehensile tail
Example
The seahorse gracefully floated among the coral reefs.
C2 noun /ˈseɪ.ɡoʊ/

Sago

Meaning
starchy foodstuff obtained from the pith of various tropical palm stems
Example
She prepared sago pudding for dessert.
B2 noun /soʊp keɪs/

Soap case

Meaning
a container used to store soap
Example
She bought a beautiful soap case for the bathroom.
A2 noun /ˈsɪŋ.ər/

Singer

Meaning
a person who sings, especially as a job or profession
Example
The singer performed beautifully at the concert last night.
C1 noun ˈsɛlf pəˈzɪʃən

self-possession

Meaning
The quality of being calm and confident and in control of one's emotions; composure.
Example
His self-possession during the crisis was remarkable.
C1 verb /skɔːrtʃ/

scorch

Meaning
to burn the surface of something slightly
Example
The fire scorched the walls of the building.
B2 adjective ˈskɒl.ə.li

scholarly

Meaning
Having or showing great knowledge or learning; academic in approach or method.
Example
He wrote a scholarly article on ancient philosophy.
C1 verb /smɪr/

smear

Meaning
to spread or apply a substance messily; to damage someone's reputation with false or unfair words
Example
The child smeared paint across the wall.
A2 noun /skɪl/

skill

Meaning
the ability to do something well through training or experience
Example
Her skill in painting impressed everyone.
B2 adjective /ˈspɪr.ɪ.tʃu.əl/

Spiritual

Meaning
relating to the human spirit or soul; religious or sacred
Example
She found spiritual peace through meditation.
C1 adverb /suːˈpɜːb.li/

Superbly

Meaning
in an excellent or outstanding manner
Example
She performed superbly in the dance competition.
B2 noun /ˈspɒt.laɪt/

spotlight

Meaning
a strong beam of light directed onto a particular area; figuratively, public attention
Example
The singer stood proudly in the spotlight.
A1 adverb /soʊ/

so

Meaning
to such a degree or extent
Example
She was so happy with the gift.
B2 noun /ˈsikwəl/

Sequel

Meaning
a published, broadcast, or recorded work that continues the story or develops the theme of an earlier one; something that takes place after or as a result of an earlier event
Example
The movie sequel was even more successful than the original.
B1 noun ˈstrʌk.tʃər

structure

Meaning
The arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex.
Example
The structure is designed for safety and functionality.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪ.ə.lɪz.əm/

sciolism

Meaning
pretentious show of superficial knowledge
Example
His speech was full of sciolism, impressing no one.
C1 adjective /ˈsaɪz.mɪk/

seismic

Meaning
Relating to earthquakes or vibrations of the earth and its crust.
Example
The region is known for its seismic activity.
A2 adjective /skaɪ bluː/

Sky-blue

Meaning
a bright blue color like that of a clear sky
Example
Her sky-blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight.
B2 verb /sɪp/

sip

Meaning
to drink in small quantities; to taste carefully
Example
She sipped her tea slowly while reading the newspaper.
C1 noun /sɪˈkriː.ʃən/

Secretion

Meaning
a process by which substances are produced and discharged from a cell or gland
Example
Insulin secretion is crucial for blood sugar regulation.
B2 verb /sɜːrdʒ/

surge

Meaning
to move suddenly and powerfully forward or upward
Example
The crowd surged forward when the gates opened.
C1 noun /səˈlɪləkwi/

soliloquy

Meaning
a speech in which a character talks to themselves, often used in drama to reveal inner thoughts
Example
Hamlet's soliloquy is one of the most famous passages in Shakespearean drama.
C2 noun /ˈsuːθˌseɪər/

soothsayer

Meaning
a person who claims to predict the future
Example
The king consulted a soothsayer before going to war.
B2 verb /səˈluːt/

salute

Meaning
to greet with respect; to honor
Example
The soldiers saluted their commanding officer.
C2 noun /səbˈdʌk.ʃən/

subduction

Meaning
The lateral and downward movement of the edge of a plate of the earth's crust into the mantle beneath another plate.
Example
The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area of intense subduction.
B2 noun smɔːl ˈɛfərt

Small Effort

Meaning
Minor actions or initiatives that can collectively make a significant impact.
Example
Small efforts can bring big changes in butterfly conservation.
B2 adjective /ˈstʌb.ərn/

Stubborn

Meaning
refusing to change opinion or course of action; persistent; obstinate
Example
The stubborn child refused to eat his vegetables.
C1 adjective /ˈsted.fæst/

Steadfast

Meaning
firm in belief, determination, or adherence; unwavering
Example
She remained steadfast in her commitment to helping the poor.
A2 noun /ˈsoʊldʒər/

soldier

Meaning
a person who serves in an army, especially as a professional fighter
Example
The soldier marched proudly with his unit.
C2 noun /ˈslʌɡərd/

sluggard

Meaning
A lazy, sluggish person.
Example
The sluggard refused to get out of bed even at noon.
B2 noun səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈvɛləpmənt

Sustainable Development

Meaning
Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Example
Eco-tourism contributes to sustainable development in local communities.
B2 noun /ˈswɛər wɜːrd/

swear-word

Meaning
An offensive or rude word used to express anger or frustration.
Example
He shouted a swear-word when he hit his toe.
C2 adjective /ˈslɪpʃɒd/

slipshod

Meaning
done in a careless, sloppy, or untidy way
Example
The project failed due to slipshod planning.
B2 noun /ˈspætʃ.ʊ.lə/

Spatula

Meaning
a kitchen utensil with a flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, or lifting food
Example
I used a spatula to flip the pancakes in the pan.
B2 adjective /səˈbɜːrbən/

suburban

Meaning
relating to or characteristic of a suburb or the people living there
Example
They bought a house in a quiet suburban area.
B2 verb /spɛər/

spare

Meaning
To give something that one has extra of; to refrain from harming or killing.
Example
Could you spare me a few minutes of your time?
A2 noun, verb, adjective /saʊnd/

sound

Meaning
a sensation perceived by the ear; to make or cause to make a noise; in good condition
Example
The bell sounded across the valley.
B2 verb /soʊ/

sow

Meaning
to plant seeds in the ground; to scatter seeds for growing
Example
The farmer will sow wheat seeds in the field tomorrow.
C1 verb /skwɪnt/

squint

Meaning
to look with partly closed eyes
Example
She squinted at the bright sunlight.
C1 noun /ˈʃɜːrbət/

sherbet

Meaning
a sweet flavored drink or a frozen dessert made from sweetened fruit juice
Example
On hot days, she enjoys a glass of lemon sherbet.
B2 noun /ˈsleɪvəri/

slavery

Meaning
the system or state of being owned and forced to work for someone else
Example
Slavery was abolished in most countries in the 19th century.
B2 adjective /sɑːrˈkæstɪk/

sarcastic

Meaning
Using irony or mockery to convey contempt or humor.
Example
She made a sarcastic remark about his cooking.
B2 noun /sɪmˈplɪsɪti/

Simplicity

Meaning
the quality of being simple; lack of complexity or intricacy
Example
The beauty of the design lies in its simplicity.
C2 noun /sɪˈmɪlɪtjuːd/

Similitude

Meaning
the quality or state of being similar; resemblance
Example
The similitude between the two paintings suggested they were by the same artist.
C1 verb /sleɪ/

slay

Meaning
to kill violently; informally, to impress greatly
Example
The hero vowed to slay the dragon.
B1 adjective /slaɪt/

Slight

Meaning
small in degree; not severe or intense; slim; thin
Example
There was a slight delay in the train schedule.
C1 verb /ʃʌnt/

shunt

Meaning
to move or turn aside; to push or divert from one track to another
Example
The train was shunted onto a different track.
B1 noun ˈsɛʃənz

sessions

Meaning
A meeting of an official body, especially a court of law, to conduct its business; a period devoted to a particular activity.
Example
The sessions lasted for three hours.
B2 noun /ˈsæksəfoʊn/

Saxophone

Meaning
a wind musical instrument with a curved metal body and a single reed mouthpiece
Example
The jazz musician played a beautiful solo on his saxophone.
A1 adjective /sloʊ/

slow

Meaning
moving or happening at a low speed
Example
The car moved slowly down the street.
C2 verb /ˈseɪʃiˌeɪt/

satiate

Meaning
To satisfy fully, especially with food or desire.
Example
The large meal satiated his hunger.
C1 verb /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/

sidetrack

Meaning
To distract from the main subject or activity.
Example
She was sidetracked by an unexpected phone call.
C1 adjective /ˈstɔːlwərt/

stalwart

Meaning
Loyal, reliable, and hardworking; strongly built or sturdy.
Example
She has always been a stalwart supporter of the community.
C1 noun ˌskeɪ.ləˈbɪl.ə.ti

scalability

Meaning
The capacity to be changed in size or scale; the ability of a system to handle a growing amount of work.
Example
The new software offers high scalability for large enterprises.
C1 verb /ˈskʌt.əl/

scuttle

Meaning
To run hurriedly with short, quick steps; or to deliberately sink a ship.
Example
The children scuttled back to their seats when the teacher entered.
B1 noun ˈstrʌɡ.əl

struggle

Meaning
A forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or resist attack; a determined effort under difficult circumstances.
Example
The struggle for independence united the nation.
C2 adjective /ˈsæ.loʊ/

sallow

Meaning
Of an unhealthy yellow or pale brown color, often referring to skin.
Example
His sallow complexion made him look tired and sickly.
B2 verb ˈstɪmjəleɪt

stimulate

Meaning
To encourage or promote the development or growth of something
Example
Proper sunlight stimulates plant growth.
B1 noun /steɪk/

steak

Meaning
a thick slice of meat, typically beef, cooked by grilling or frying
Example
He ordered a grilled steak with vegetables.
C1 adjective ˈsɛd(ə)ntəri

sedentary

Meaning
Characterized by much sitting and little physical activity.
Example
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to numerous health problems.
B2 noun /spaɪs/

spice

Meaning
a substance used to add flavor to food
Example
She added a pinch of spice to the curry for extra flavor.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪnɪstər/

sinister

Meaning
Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen.
Example
The abandoned house had a sinister atmosphere.
A2 verb /ˈsetəl/

settle

Meaning
to resolve; to establish residence; to calm down
Example
They decided to settle in a quiet village.
B1 noun /ʃɒk/

shock

Meaning
a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience
Example
The news of his sudden departure was a shock to everyone.
B2 verb /skrʌb/

scrub

Meaning
To rub hard so as to clean, typically with a brush and water.
Example
Excessive scrubbing of the eyes is harmful.
B1 verb/adjective /sɪˈkjʊər/

secure

Meaning
to make safe or protect; to fix something firmly in place
Example
Please secure the door before you leave.
C2 verb /sleɪk/

slake

Meaning
To satisfy thirst or desire.
Example
She drank cold water to slake her thirst.
A1 determiner /sʌm/

some

Meaning
an unspecified amount or number of something
Example
I have some money in my wallet.
B2 adjective ˈstrʌktʃərəl

structural

Meaning
Relating to or forming part of a structure.
Example
The structural integrity of the bridge was tested after the storm.
B2 adverb /ˈsel.fɪʃ.li/

Selfishly

Meaning
in a selfish manner; caring only about oneself
Example
He selfishly took all the cookies.
C2 verb /ˈstjuːpɪˌfaɪ/

stupefy

Meaning
to make someone unable to think clearly, usually because of surprise or shock
Example
The magician's tricks stupefied the audience.
B2 noun /skwɒd/

squad

Meaning
a small group of people organized for a specific purpose or task, often in the military or sports
Example
The football squad trained hard before the championship match.
A2 adjective /streɪt/

Straight

Meaning
extending or moving uniformly in one direction; not curved or bent; honest
Example
Draw a straight line from point A to point B.
B1 adjective /ˈsoʊ kɔːld/

so-called

Meaning
referred to as or known by a particular name or title, often misleadingly
Example
The so-called expert couldn't answer the question.
C2 adjective /ˈsæpɪd/

sapid

Meaning
Having a pleasant taste; flavorful.
Example
The chef prepared a sapid dish that delighted everyone at the table.
B1 noun /stiːl/

steel

Meaning
a strong, hard metal made of iron and carbon
Example
The building was made from steel to ensure its durability.
C1 noun /səbˈmɜːrdʒəns/

submergence

Meaning
the act or process of being submerged or going underwater
Example
The submergence of coastal areas is a major concern due to rising sea levels.
B2 noun /ˈsnoʊ.fɔːl/

Snowfall

Meaning
the process of snow falling from the sky; the amount of snow that falls
Example
The heavy snowfall blocked all the roads yesterday.
A2 noun /səˈluː.ʃən/

Solution

Meaning
an answer to a problem; a liquid mixture
Example
We need to find a solution to this problem.
B2 adjective /stɪf/

Stiff

Meaning
not easily bent or changed; rigid; firm
Example
The old wooden board was too stiff to bend.
C1 adjective /ˈspɛktrəl/

spectral

Meaning
Relating to a ghost or specter; ghostly. Also relating to a spectrum.
Example
The old mansion had a spectral atmosphere at night.
B1 adverb /ˈsædli/

sadly

Meaning
in a sorrowful or unhappy manner
Example
She sadly waved goodbye as the train departed.
C1 noun /ˈsuːtər/

suitor

Meaning
a man who pursues a relationship with a woman, often with the intent to marry
Example
She had many suitors vying for her attention.
A2 verb /siːm/

seem

Meaning
to give the impression of being something or having a particular quality
Example
He seems tired after the long journey.
B1 verb /spɛl/

spell

Meaning
to write or name the letters of a word in order; to mean or result in something
Example
Can you spell your name for me?
C1 verb /ˈskʌr.i/

scurry

Meaning
To move quickly with short, hurried steps.
Example
The mice scurried across the kitchen floor when the lights turned on.
B2 adverb /səˈpəʊzɪdli/

supposedly

Meaning
used to show that something is believed or claimed to be true, though it may not be
Example
He is supposedly the best player on the team.
C2 noun /ˈsɛrəf/

seraph

Meaning
An angelic being associated with light and purity, often depicted as a high-ranking angel in Christian theology.
Example
The stained-glass window depicted a seraph with outstretched wings.
C1 verb /ˈsætəˌraɪz/

satirize

Meaning
to mock or criticize something using satire
Example
The play satirizes the greed of modern corporations.
C2 adjective /ˌsʌpəzɪˈtɪʃəs/

supposititious

Meaning
Based on assumption rather than fact; not genuine or authentic.
Example
The story turned out to be supposititious, with no evidence to support it.
A1 adverb /ˈsʌm.taɪmz/

Sometimes

Meaning
at times; occasionally; now and then
Example
Sometimes I go for a walk in the evening.
B2 adjective /suːˈpriːm/

Supreme

Meaning
highest in rank, authority, or quality; greatest; most important
Example
The Supreme Court made the final decision.
A2 adjective /ˈskeəri/

scary

Meaning
causing fear or making you feel frightened
Example
That horror movie was really scary.
B2 noun /ˈspəʊkswɪmən/

spokeswoman

Meaning
a woman who speaks on behalf of a group or organization
Example
The spokeswoman for the company announced the new product.